In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
Present simple example sentences | |
---|---|
Actually, it's quite urgent for me. | |
Nope, I don't cook fancy things, only regular dishes. | |
Really? How do I wake you up? | |
Look, you can watch the sunset best from this point. | |
So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | |
I wake up and make my bed, then tidy my room. | |
It's not for me, it's for the rice, dear! | |
It's got some water marks on it! | |
Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | |
Because the other people complain about me smoking there. | |
He is fine. | |
Thanks for being thoughtful, dear. | |
Here you go sir, this is your receipt and your £20 cashback. | |
Erm, I can't work it out, I guess it's more than 150 years old. | |
Oh sorry, unfortunately, that one is reserved. | |
Yeah, I'll have a beer, I guess you want wine, Cate? | |
That would be great! Do you think it's possible? | |
Yeah, it's normal, he even hisses at my new socks sometimes! | |
I mean, you look too young to be a teacher. | |
I didn't say it's your fault, but it's your turn now... |